Get your skin looking its best with the guide to serums
Serums, the skincare superheroes that target specific skin issues with their concentrated formulations of active ingredients, are proving their worth in the bathroom cabinet.
Skincare brand Medik8 brings you the lowdown on how to supercharge your skincare regime with the main 6 types.
Why serums?
Serums off the most potent hit of active ingredients. They are able to penetrate the skin more deeply than conventional cosmetic skin creams and they are made up of smaller molecules in a much finer texture, allowing them to get to work on deep set problems.
Top tip
The potency of serums often deteriorates quickly once exposed to the air. Look out for serums that have a shelf life of at least 6 months, but ideally 12-36 months once opened. High quality brands will use micro encapsulation and enhances stability technologies to maximise freshness. There is no point using serums that have gone ‘off’ – they simply won’t have an effect on the skin.
The product order:
Cleanse
Serum
Moisturiser
SPF
Tip: Allow serum to absorb for 2-3 minutes before applying next product.
Hydrating serums: The moisture maker
What is it? Hydrating serums are universal as most suffer from dehydration. Dehydrated skin suffers from a lack of water rather than lack of oil. A serum’s fine texture quickly delivers water-boosting and retaining ingredients deep into the skin. These serums continuously plump and hydrate the skin with active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water.
Who is best for? Those with fine lines should try a hydrating serum before an anti-ageing serum. Skin dehydration can be mistaken for premature wrinkles. If your skin is dry, dehydrated and lacklustre, then applying a hydrating serum before your usual moisturiser can make a huge difference.
Anti-Oxidant serums: Anti-ageing skin protectors
What is it? Anti-oxidant based serums focus on preventing free-radical damage to the skin’s collagen and elastin matric which help combat sun-induced damage to the skin. Anti-oxidant serums usually contain vitamin C to help trigger collagen synthesis and increase the skin’s elasticity and density, as well as improving the skin’s texture and brightening the complexion, while preventing photo ageing, fine lines and pigmentation.
Who is it best for? Anyone who is serious about slowing down the signs of ageing, or who has uneven pigmentation or skin lacking radiance. An anti-oxidant vitamin C-based serum is a great choice for those looking to add a multi-tasking serum to boost their skin’s health and overall glow.
Anti-ageing serums: Growth factor genius
What is it? Epidermal Growth Factors (EGF) are based on skin healing technology and are fast becoming the scientifically-proven ‘topical youth elixir’ of choice to help smooth fine lines and wrinkles, even skin tone, boost skin radiance and plump skin. As we age our natural EGF levels drop, leading to slower skin metalbolism, and fine lines and wrinkles, EGF’s keep the skin looking young and firm by stimulation cell repair.
Who is it best for? All those who are concerned with deteriorating skin quality. An EGF serum will set to work on smoothing, plumping and evening the skin, working to support the structure of the epidermis whilst boosting the vitality of your complexion.
Purifying serums: The blemish buster
What is it? A serum’s texture is well-suited to managing oiliness and enlarged pores, helping to break the cycle of blemishes. The smaller molecules work really well when unblocking pores and tightening them up, resulting in a clearer complexion.
Who is it best for? If you’re constantly battling with excess oiliness and/or acne, a concentrated light-weight, oil-dree serum containing soothing anti-inflammatory niacinamide can make all the difference. Choose one suited to adult skin that also contains anti-oxidant protection to help prevent lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin A Retinol Serums: The all-round hero
What is it? Retinol is a great weapon to stimulate cell regeneration, build collagen and diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and scarring. When starting to use a retinol product, skin needs to gradually acclimatise as vitamin A (retinol) can irritate skin. To build up skin tolerance, allow 3 day intervals between applications for two weeks. Only apply retinol in the evening to minimise light sensitivity.
Who is it best for? If skin needs refining and fine lines, wrinkles, large pores and dark spots are a concern.
Skin tone specialist serums: Pigmentation and Rosacea SOS!
What is it? There are various skincare concerns that aren’t easily addresses by regular skincare products, or indeed some of the serums mentioned so far. Specialist serums are precisely tailored to offer maximum active ingredients in a single product, targeting widely different concerns such as hypersensitivity or hyper-pigmentation.
Who is it best for? If you have long-term concerns such as rosacea, areas of pigmentation of extremely reactive skin, then a specialist serum will help to calm and restore a more even tone to the skin.
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